Indian non-basmati rice prices fall to multiyear low amid Africa policy disruption, new crop arrivals in Commodity News 07/05/2026 Indian non-basmati rice prices hit multiyear lows amid subdued domestic demand, as changing import policies in key African destinations like Senegal, Benin, and Burkina Faso, combined with new crop arrivals, weighed on the market, Platts data showed. Platts-assessed India Parboiled 5% rice fell by $44/mt since 2021 and $82/mt from 2018 to $324/mt FOB on May 5, according to Platts data. Mirroring a similar trend, Platts-assessed 100% broken WR fell by $54/mt year over year at $269/mt FOB on May 5. The Rice Exporters Association of Chhattisgarh (TREACG) has sought immediate government intervention amid import restrictions from African countries in its statement dated May 4. “Sudden changes in traditional African markets have disrupted shipment planning and contract execution. Exporters are facing order cancellations, payment delays, and inventory pile-ups,” the statement said, adding that such import restrictions are causing “rising risk of cash flow constraints, particularly for MSME exporters.” Import policy shifts in Africa dent Indian local demand Many African countries, such as Burkina Faso, Benin, and Senegal, have restricted rice imports by strengthening their import policies. Benin’s current policy shift has led to a lack of demand for parboiled 5% in the local Indian market, prompting exporters to halt shipments to the country. “Benin buyers are asking. But exporters don’t want to sell unless they have valid import documents,” a Gurgaon-based exporter said. Burkina Faso, another destination for parboiled 5% rice, has banned rice imports. “Indian [PB 5%] FOB is retreating for sure. Let’s see how far the new Benin government goes in establishing these strict import rules, especially since Burkina and Senegal will likely import less now,” a Nigeria-based trader said. Senegal restricted their imports by allowing only selected companie